Wednesday 15 July 2025
Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim, MP, witnessed the signing of a landmark K384,809,701 road infrastructure agreement under the OK Tedi Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (ITCS) for Western Province. The signing ceremony took place today at Kwalimu Haus in Waigani.
The contract formalizes arrangements under the ITCS, in which 2% of OK Tedi Mining Ltd’s funding is allocated to infrastructure projects in mining-impacted areas. The Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) will supervise construction and uphold technical standards, with the Minister supporting and securing National Executive Council (NEC) approval for implementation.
Leaders from Western Province expressed overwhelming gratitude for the initiative, highlighting that ITCS support enables road infrastructure delivery where District Support Improvement Program and Provincial Support Improvement Program funds have been insufficient. Those present included Hon. Taboi Awi Yoto, Governor for Western Province; Hon. James Donald, MP for North Fly; Hon. Mai Maso Hewabi, MP for Middle Fly; and Hon. Agena Gamai, MP for Delta Fly.
The ITCS road project includes three key components:
- K55,187,770 – Construction of Balimo to Kawiyapo to Wasa Road in Delta Fly District
- K44,919,600 – Upgrading and sealing of Balimo Town roads in Middle Fly District
- K294,702,331 – Construction of the 150km Kiunga to Nomad Road, a missing link from kilometre 14.9 along the Kiunga–Tabubil Highway in North Fly District to Nomad in Middle Fly District
The road construction contract was awarded to China Railway Engineering Group, which operates within the province.